Refugee Artists in Kenya Release Track Calling for Hope & Unity in the Fight against COVID-19

Believe, YouTube.com.

FilmAid International, an NGO headquartered in New York City, celebrated World Refugee Day on June 20, 2020, by sharing an original song and music video, "Believe," created by youth living in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.

The artists call for hope and unity in the fight against Covid-19.

Believe, www.YouTube.com.

Exile Key Films wrote, "... please help the artists inspire more people around the world. Each of the artists fled violence in their country of birth to find a new home in a remote camp in northwest Kenya, which houses roughly 200,000 people from 22 countries. The artists’ strength, hope, and faith has enabled them not only to survive, but to forge global voices that demand respect for the fundamental rights of women, girls, and all human beings — the result is an inspiring call to unite in the face of a global crisis."

Believe

Watch the music video, "Believe - featuring MLay, Queen Lisa, Mercy Akuot, Yong A, and Mr Panadol" on Exile Key Films YouTube channel.



Watch the music video with Spanish subtitles.

Believe was written, composed, and performed by:
MLay Aza (Burundi)
Mercy Akuot (South Sudan)
Queen Lisa (Burundi)

The music video was created by:
Abdul Patient (Burundi), founder of Exile Key Films, and his creative partner Muhaz.

Black Lives Matter

The YouTube video description reads, "STATEMENT FROM THE ARTISTS IN DEFENSE OF BLACK LIVES:

"We composed "BELIEVE" before the tragic murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and before the righteous protests started around the world. Our call for unity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic came from our belief in humanity. We refuse to give up our faith, but as black African refugee women we know firsthand that unity is only possible through peace and peace is not possible without justice. That includes justice for the black and brown people who are suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic. "I can't breathe is a sentence that brings pain to all Black people. And because "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” we want you to know that your African sisters and brothers stand with you! The great woman Wangari Maathai said "in the course of history there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now." We stand beside you as you mourn, and with you as we fight together for hope and justice! #BLACKLIVESMATTER"

Exile Key Films

"Exile Key Films is a legally incorporated music and film studio founded by FilmAid graduates living in Kakuma Refugee Camp."

Source: Exile Key Films YouTube channel

Follow Exile Key Films on Facebook.

FilmAid International

"Using film, radio and journalism created by refugees, FilmAid engages communities with dignity and respect, providing information about their rights, safety, health and well-being. Alongside public information campaigns, FilmAid trains young people in all aspects of storytelling and communications, empowering the next generation to advocate for its own rights and community needs.

Continue reading about FilmAid International on www.filmaid.org.